“There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream,

The earth, and every common sight, to me did seem

Appareled in celestial light,

The glory and the freshness of a dream.”

- William Wordsworth

BOOKS BY MARY FRANCES BAKER

On his weekly visit to see his friend, the Gardener, the Garden Friend discovers not only the beauty of the garden but also the meaning of friendship, which blooms with time and attention. Enter a world where insects become treasures and where a floral canvas of colors invites readers to explore the bounty of the garden. This second adventure in the Garden Friend series by Mary Frances Baker explores themes of patience, curiosity, sharing, and friendship.

Follow the Garden Friend, a lovable acorn-topped character, on nighttime adventures through the garden and beyond. Then, learn to make a Garden Friend of your own, to hide in your garden at home.

Through this delightful rhyming narrative, children are encouraged to explore the natural beauty and wonder of a garden. Curiosity about the natural world grows through the child’s greatest asset: their imagination!

The Garden Friend is a bilingual book, and can be enjoyed in both English and Spanish.

To purchase a signed copy from the author, please contact Mary Frances in the Contact section of this website.

Ask about bulk discounts for educators!

Purchase from www.bookshop.org

Purchase from www.thriftbooks.com

Meet the Author: Mary Frances Baker

Mary Frances Baker is a music educator who has loved all things outdoors since she was a child. The garden is a place of beauty and wonder that has inspired her to create. She hopes it will provide the same inspiration for you!

Praise for the Garden Friend Series

“A simple bilingual tale that deftly interweaves themes of imagination, friendship, and nature.” - Kirkus Reviews

Recipient of the Kirkus “Get It” recommendation

“A brilliant fusion of storytelling and hands-on creativity that turns every walk in the park into a scavenger hunt for wonder.” - Ameliessa Richardson

“Ever since I was little, woodland creatures like gnomes and fairies have fascinated me. So, when I found The Garden Friend by Mary Frances Baker, I was an eight-year-old girl again…Because reading this book fosters awareness and appreciation for nature, and because it’s such a fun read, I’m giving it five bright stars that you may glimpse sparkling against the jet-black night sky.” - Readers’ Favorite review

"The garden becomes a space of discovery, where everyday encounters with plants, insects, and changing seasons invite reflection and imagination. The garden friend's interactions reveal a growing awareness of how living things coexist, and how even the tiniest creatures play a role in a larger environment...The story's focus is rooted in the child's perspective, allowing readers to experience the garden as a place of learning and companionship. By the end, the idea of friendship expands beyond people, suggesting that connections can be found in unexpected places when one takes the time to look closely." - Readers' Favorite

"If you're looking for a book that smells like rosemary and feels like a warm hug, this is it. A truly soul-stirring read for kids and adults alike- perfect for anyone who loves flowers, food, and good friends." - Ameliessa Richardson